Need your CPAP advice-Updated update

[exav8tr]

Since using my CPAP in the last 10 years, I have suffered with dry mouth at night, even with the humidifier and if the humidifier is too warm I end up swallowing water all night, sort of like being waterboarded from the darn thing. Well, I found a product called Biotene, which is a mouth moisturizer. Use it when going to bed and IF I wake up at night, I will use it again for safeties sake. Works really well. Thought I would pass this on. You can find it near the dental supplies in the stores....

[5rvers]

I've been using a CPAP machine for about a year now. I have the ResMed Escape II with humidifier and the Respironics Comfort Gel Blue Nasal mask. I guess I'm still trying to adjust using it. There are nights I sleep good with it and there are nights I feel like trashing it. I feel so uncomfortable using it, but I know my DW get's a good night sleep when I use it. I'll keep using it and hopefully I'll get used to it.

Lou

[deerrahn]

My wife and my doctor finally convinced me to go to the sleep study. Like a lot of men, I have sleep apnia. After the study they recommended I get a machine. Medicare provided it.
It is a ResMed S8 Elite tm II. I use the nasal cover only. Took about 6 weeks to really get accustomed to it. Now I just slip it on, turn over , and go to sleep. I have to admit it was a very smart thing to do. I sleep less hours and get more rest, and for whatever reason it made my sugar count go down. Must be something to do with being more relaxed while I sleep, and I DON"T snore. Makes family life more congenial. Good luck. Have a Good Day

[WorkerB]

Charlie,
After I had my CPAP about a year I had a visit with my Doctor. Something he explained to me has not been mentioned in this topic. He explained that the reason he put me on a CPAP was that when I slept my oxygen level was dropping below 80%. They like to see you at 95% or higher oxygen level. The reason I was dropping below 80% was partially because of the snoring or sleep apnea. Anyway, the PROBLEM was that when I dropped below 95% oxygen level in the bloodstream my organs suffer and start to die because of lack of oxygen. Overall that results on all body parts dying as I sleep. The CPAP stops the interrupted breathing and oxygen levels go up. Once I understood the organs dying part I quit fighting the CPAP and making excuses not to use it. Yes, the DW benefits and the neighbors in the campground can't hear me anymore when I sleep. I also get a better nights sleep. I have been using the CPAP for several years now. I used to be almost bald and now all my hair has grown back. You are on the right track. Research the different machines, humidifiers, masks, inverters, etc. and get what best suits you. Live Long and Prosper!

[brenkco]

I didn't do well with the Cpap either. I got a bipap and what a difference! The cpap is at my 2nd home and I tried to use it rather than packing the bipap with me. Even for a night or 2, I can't get use to the cpap.

It's nice that you found the difference before you purchased the machine. I didn't and found it to be a very expensive mistake. My Dr. did caution me that they have problems getting medicare to pay for the bipap. I'm not on medicare yet so I don't know for sure.

Good luck with your new found rest!

Ken

[PowellsMonty]

Thanks Phil, bought Biotene today & will try it.

[8.1al]

This is great, not only should this make me sleep and feel better but my hair will grow back. It just doesn't get any better

I am on a medicare advantage plan and expected them to balk at paying for a bi-pap but there was no problem. It was obvious from the sleep study that I slept much better on bi-pap.

I have had a little trouble with dry mouth and if it gets any worse will try the Biotene for sure

[HamRad]

Charlie,
Glad you got a machine that will/is helping you! You will get so used to it that you will find it hard to sleep without it!
See you soon. Are you folks on your way to the balloon festival?
Later,
Dennis

[8.1al]

Dennis,
No balloon festival thes year, we have a new grand baby coming and will be in Michigan till mid Nov. BRRRRRRRRR